Churches, City and National Identity in Mid-19th Century Edinburgh

A key insight from this study is that Edinburgh's Lawnmarket and Castlehill area became a focal point for the Church of Scotland and the Free Church during the 1843 Disruption, underscoring its national significance. The proximity of Victoria Hall (Church of Scotland headquarters) and New College (Free Church headquarters) in the Old Town symbolized both churches' claims to historical legitimacy and continuity, with their presence driving urban renewal and architectural revival. This research highlights how the area's heritage was intentionally exploited by these institutions to assert their validity, while also linking Edinburgh's role as a national capital to global missionary work and empire. The study combines ecclesiastical history with urban design, revealing the broader implications of this pivotal moment in Scottish religious and architectural history.

Desmarest, C. G. (2020). Churches, City and National Identity in Mid-19th Century Edinburgh. Angles, 11. https://doi.org/10.4000/angles.2302